How to Create Multi-Step Product Tours
Multi-step product tours guide users through complex workflows that span multiple pages or features. They are essential for products with non-linear user journeys where users need guidance across different areas of the application.
Map the complete workflow
Document every step from start to finish, including page transitions. Identify required actions versus optional side paths.
Break into logical segments
Group related steps into 3-5 step segments. This makes tours feel manageable and gives users natural pause points.
Design smooth page transitions
When a tour step requires navigating to a new page, ensure the next tooltip appears reliably after the page loads. Account for loading times.
Add progress indicators
Show overall progress and current segment clearly. "Step 3 of 5" helps users gauge their time investment and reduces drop-off.
Include branching logic
If users can take different paths based on their setup, create branching conditions that show relevant steps for their specific configuration.
Enable resume functionality
If a user dismisses or navigates away, let them resume where they left off. Lost progress is a major cause of tour abandonment.
Pro Tips
- Keep multi-step tours under 12 steps total, including all segments.
- Place the most impactful moment within the first 3 steps to hook user attention.
- Allow users to skip individual steps while maintaining overall progress.
- Test tours with real users to find confusing transitions or unclear instructions.
Conclusion
Multi-step tours are your tool for teaching complex workflows. The key is breaking complexity into digestible segments, maintaining clear progress indicators, and allowing users to move at their own pace. Well-designed multi-step tours turn intimidating features into approachable experiences.
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